My references to numbers and reasons were not meant as apologies for what SKY would say, just an explanation of their likely explanations... but as others have said, if it doesn't rate, then they're unlikely to give it as much attention... the World Cup, the Euros, the English Prem all generate big numbers so they get good attention...
With the A-League, I don't know for certain but I would say there would be a cost to Fox for coverage from Australia, with probably only the Phoenix games being free as a quid-pro-quo for the broadcasts from Wellington on to Fox network (again, no basis for saying this, purely assumption). So perhaps the powers-that-be have decided that that cost, whatever it is, is not worth it... not a great decision from a fan's perspective, but again, it won't affect their subscriber base...
The amount of channels available through digital now means there is a constant need for content, and a cheap form of that is replays... so yes, old rugby games will be replayed a lot, as they've already been paid for... again, it's frustrating, but that is the thinking.
As for football, it is my humble belief that SKY could produce a comprehensive weekly show that covered off every major comp in the world, including European Leagues, A-League, local, Champions League, Libertadores, MLS etc etc, without spending a single dollar more than they currently do... the rationale and method for this has been explained to the relevant people, but fell on deaf ears... so that's that really.
And in all this, spare a thought for the people who've essentailly had their jobs/income slashed by this move too - we may have less to watch, but they may need to look for other jobs... puts things in perspective a bit.
But above all, it is great to read that NZ football fans are passionate about their sport and are actually prepared to demand better quality coverage than what is served up - for too long we've just accepted whatever is given and said "better than nothing".
SKY may be angering you here, but don't forget how much football they've shown in the past when no other network would touch it... and whatever their faults, they never cut away to the news during extra time of a Chatham Cup final...
Hi Anthony,
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